http://www ToLearnEnglish.com / VOA Special English WORDBOOK A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|Y|Z Parts of Speech|Prefixes|Expressions Science Words|Organs of the Body PARTS OF SPEECH TOP n (noun) − a name word v (verb) − an action word ad (adjective/adverb) − a describing word prep (preposition) − a word used to show a relation pro (pronoun) − a word used in place of a noun conj (conjunction) − a joining word A TOP a (an) − ad one; any; each able − v having the power to something about − ad almost ("about half"); of or having a relation to ("We talk about the weather.") above − ad at a higher place accept − v to agree to receive accident − n something that happens by chance or mistake; an unplanned event accuse − v to say a person is responsible for an act or crime; to make a statement against someone across − ad from side to side; to the other side act − v to something activist − n one who seeks change through action actor − n someone acting in a play or show add − v to put (something) with another to make it larger; to say more administration − n the executive part of a government, usually headed by a president or prime minister admit − v to accept ("admitted to the United Nations"); to express one's guilt or responsibility ("He admitted that what he did was wrong.") adult − n a grown person advise − v to help with information, knowledge or ideas in making a decision affect − v to produce an effect on; to influence ("A lack of sleep affected the singer's performance.") afraid − ad feeling fear after − ad later; behind again − ad another time; as before against − ad opposed to; not agreeing with something age − n how old a person or thing is agency − n an organization that is part of a larger group ("an agency of the United Nations") aggression − n an attack against a person or country; the violation of a country's borders ago − ad of time past; before now agree − v to have the same belief as someone; to be willing to something agriculture − n farming aid − v to help; to support; n help, assistance aim − v to point a gun at; n a goal or purpose air − n the mixture of gases around the earth, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, that we breathe air force − n a military organization using airplanes airplane − n a vehicle with wings that flies airport − n a place where airplanes take off and land album − n a collection of recorded music alcohol − n a strong, colorless liquid, usually made from grain, used as a drug or in industrial products alive − ad having life; not dead all − ad everything; everyone; the complete amount ally − n a nation or person joined with another for a special purpose almost − ad a little less than completely alone − ad separated from others along − ad near or on ("along the road") already − ad before now; even now also − ad added to; too although − conj even if it is true that always − ad at all times; every time ambassador − n a nation's highest diplomatic representative (to another government) amend − v to add to or to change (a proposal or law) ammunition − n the bullets or shells fired from guns among − ad in or part of (a group) amount − n the number, size or weight of anything anarchy − n a lack of order; lawlessness ancestor − n a family member from the past ancient − ad very old; long ago and − conj also; in addition to; with anger − n a strong emotion against someone or something animal − n a living creature that moves, such as a dog or cat anniversary − n a yearly celebration or observance of an event that happened in the past announce − v to make known publicly; to declare officially another − ad one more; a different one answer − n a statement produced by a question; v to make a statement after being asked a question any − ad one or more of no special kind apologize − v to express regret for a mistake or accident for which one accepts responsibility appeal − v to take to a higher court, person or group for a decision; to call on somebody for help appear − v to show oneself; to come into sight; to seem appoint − v to name; to choose ("appoint a judge") approve − v to agree with; to agree to support archeology − n the scientific study of past human life and activities area − n any place or part of it argue − v to offer reasons for or against something; to dispute; to disagree arms − n military equipment; weapons army − n military ground forces around − ad on every side (of) arrest − v to seize a person for legal action; to take as a prisoner arrive − v to come to a place, especially at the end of a trip art − n expressions or creations by humans, such as paintings, music, writing or statues artillery − n big guns as − conj equally ("as fast as"); when; while ash − n the part left after something burns ask − v to question; to say something is wanted ("We ask the teacher questions every day.") assist − v to help astronaut − n a person who travels in space astronomy − n the scientific study of stars and the universe asylum − n political protection given by a government to a person from another country at − prep in or near ("at the edge"); where ("look at"); when ("at noon") atmosphere − n the gases surrounding any star or planet attach − v to tie together; to connect attack − n a violent attempt to damage, injure or kill; v to start a fight attempt − v to work toward something; to try; to make an effort attend − v to be present at automobile − n a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; a car autumn − n the time of the year between summer and winter average − n something (a number) representing the middle; ad common; normal avoid − v to stay away from awake − ad not sleeping award − n an honor or prize for an act or service away − ad not near B TOP baby − n a newly born creature back − n the part behind the front; ad the other way from forward bad − ad wrong; acting against the law; not good balance − v to make two sides or forces equal ball − n something round balloon − n a device of strong, light material that rises when filled with gas lighter than air ballot − n a piece of paper used for voting ban − v to not permit; to stop; n an official restriction bank − n an organization that keeps and lends money bar − v to prevent or block barrier − n anything that blocks or makes an action difficult base − n a military center; v to establish as a fact ("Her research was based on experiments.") battle − n a fight between opposing armed forces be − v to live; to happen; to exist beat − v to hit again and again beauty − ad that which pleases the eye, ear or spirit because − prep for the reason that ("He left because he was sick.") become − v to come to be bed − n a sleeping place before − prep earlier begin − v to the first part of an action; to start behind − ad at the back of; in back of believe − v to think; to feel sure of; to accept as true; to trust bell − n an instrument that makes a musical sound ("a church bell") belong − v to be owned by; to be a member of below − ad lower than best − ad the most good betray − v to turn against; to be false to better − ad more good than between − ad in the space or time that separates; from one to the other ("talks between two nations") big − ad of great size; not small bill − n a legislative proposal biology − n the scientific study of life or living things in all their forms bird − n a creature that flies bite − v to cut with the teeth black − ad dark; having the color like that of the night sky blame − v to accuse; to hold responsible blanket − n a cloth cover used to keep warm bleed − v to lose blood blind − ad not able to see block − v to stop something from being done; to prevent movement blood − n red fluid in the body blow − v to move with force, as in air ("The wind blows.") blue − ad having the color like that of a clear sky boat − n something built to travel on water that carries people or goods body − n all of a person or animal; the remains of a person or animal boil − v to heat a liquid until it becomes very hot bomb − n a device that explodes with great force; v to attack or destroy with bombs bone − n the hard material in the body book − n a long written work for reading border − n a dividing line between nations born − v to come to life; to come into existence borrow − v to take as a loan both − ad not just one of two, but the two together bottle − n a container, usually made of glass, to hold liquid bottom − ad the lowest part of something box − n something to put things into; a container, usually made of paper or wood boy − n a young male person boycott − v to refuse to take part in or deal with brain − n the control center of thought, emotions and body activity of all creatures brave − ad having no fear bread − n a food made from grain break − v to divide into parts by force; to destroy breathe − v to take air into the body and let it out again bridge − n a structure built over a waterway, valley or road so people and vehicles can cross from one side to the other brief − ad short; not long bright − ad giving much light; strong and clear in color bring − v to come with something broadcast − v to send information, stories or music by radio or television; n a radio or television program brother − n a male with the same father or mother as another person brown − ad having the color like that of coffee budget − n a spending plan build − v to join materials together to make something building − n anything built for use as a house, factory, office, school, store or place of entertainment bullet − n a small piece of metal shot from a gun burn − v to be on fire; to destroy or damage by fire burst − v to break open suddenly bury − v to put into the ground and cover with earth bus − n a public vehicle to carry people business − n one's work; buying and selling to earn money; trade busy − ad doing something; very active but − conj however; other than; yet buy − v to get by paying something, usually money by − conj near; at; next to ("by the road"); from ("a play by William Shakespeare"); not later than ("by midnight") C TOP cabinet − n a group of ministers that helps lead a government call − v to give a name to ("I call myself John."); to ask for or request ("They called for an end to the fighting.") calm − ad quiet; peaceful; opposite tense camera − n a device for taking pictures camp − n a place with temporary housing campaign − n a competition by opposing political candidates seeking support from voters; a connected series of military actions during a war can − v to be able to; to have the right to; n a container used to hold liquid or food, usually made of metal cancel − v to end; to stop cancer − n a disease in which dangerous cells grow quickly and destroy parts of the body candidate − n a person who seeks or is nominated for an office or an honor capital − n the official center of a government; the city where a country's government is capitalism − n an economic system in which the production of most goods and services is owned and operated for profit by private citizens or companies capture − v to make a person or animal a prisoner; to seize or take by force; to get control of car − n a vehicle with wheels used to carry people; an automobile; a part of a train care − v to like; to protect; to feel worry or interest careful − ad acting safely; with much thought carry − v to take something or someone from one place to another case (court) − n a legal action case (medical) − n an incident of disease ("There was only one case of chicken pox at the school.") cat − n a small animal that often lives with humans catch − v to seize after a chase; to stop and seize with the hands cause − v to make happen; n the thing or person that produces a result ceasefire − n a halt in fighting, usually by agreement celebrate − v to honor a person or event with special activities center − n the middle of something; the place in the middle; a place that is the main point of an activity century − n one hundred years ceremony − n an act or series of acts done in a special way established by tradition chairman − n a person leading a meeting or an organized group champion − n the best; the winner chance − n a possibility of winning or losing or that something will happen change − v to make different; to become different charge − v to accuse someone of something, usually a crime; n a statement in which someone is accused of something chase − v to run or go after someone or something cheat − v to get by a trick; to steal from cheer − v to shout approval or praise chemicals − n elements found in nature or made by people; substances used in the science of chemistry chemistry − n the scientific study of substances, what they are made of, how they act under different conditions, and how they form other substances chief − n the head or leader of a group; ad leading; most important child − n a baby; a boy or girl children − n more than one child choose − v to decide between two or more circle − n a closed shape that has all its points equally distant from the center, like an "O" citizen − n a person who is a member of a country by birth or by law city − n any important large town civilian − ad not military civil rights − n the political, economic and social rights given equally to all people of a nation claim − v to say something as a fact clash − n a battle; v to fight or oppose clean − v to make pure; ad free from dirt or harmful substances ("clean water") clear − ad easy to see or see through; easily understood clergy − n a body of officials within a religious organization climate − n the normal weather conditions of a place climb − v to go up or down something by using the feet and sometimes the hands clock − n a device that measures and shows time close − v to make something not open; ad near to cloth − n a material made from plants, chemicals, animal hair and other substances clothes − n what people wear cloud − n a mass of fog high in the sky coal − n a solid black substance used as fuel coalition − n forces, groups or nations joined together coast − n land on the edge of the ocean coffee − n a drink made from the plant of the same name cold − ad not warm; having or feeling great coolness or a low temperature collect − v to bring or gather together in one place; to demand and receive ("collect taxes") college − n a small university colony − n land controlled by another country or government color − n the different effects of light on the eye, making blue, red, brown, black, yellow and others combine − v to mix or bring together come − v to move toward; to arrive command − v to order; to have power over something comment − v to say something about; to express an opinion about something committee − n a group of people given special work common − ad usual; same for all ("a common purpose") communicate − v to tell; to give or exchange information community − n a group of people living together in one place or area company − n a business organized for trade, industrial or other purposes compare − v to examine what is different or similar compete − v to try to as well as, or better than, another or others complete − ad having all parts; ended or finished complex − ad of or having many parts that are difficult to understand; not simple compromise − n the settlement of an argument where each side agrees to accept less than first demanded computer − n an electronic machine for storing and organizing information, and for communicating with others concern − n interest, worry ("express concern about"); v to fear ("to be concerned") condemn − v to say a person or action is wrong or bad condition − n something declared necessary to complete an agreement; a person's health sit − v to rest on the lower part of the body without the support of the legs; to become seated situation − n the way things are during a period of time size − n the space occupied by something; how long, wide or high something is skeleton − n all the bones of a human or other animal together in their normal positions skill − n the ability gained from training or experience skin − n the outer covering of humans and most animals sky − n the space above the earth slave − n a person owned or controlled by another sleep − v to rest the body and mind with the eyes closed slide − v to move smoothly over a surface slow − v to reduce the speed of; ad not fast in moving, talking or other activities small − ad little in size or amount; few in number; not important; opposite large smash − v to break or be broken into small pieces by force; to hit or move with >force smell − v to sense through the nose; n something sensed by the nose ("the smell of food cooking") smoke − v to use cigarettes or other tobacco products by burning them and breathing in the smoke; n that which can be seen rising into the air like a cloud from something burning smooth − ad having a level surface; opposite rough snow − n soft, white pieces of frozen water that fall from the sky, usually in winter or when the air temperature is very cold so − ad in such a way that ("He held the flag so all could see it."); also; too ("She left early, and so did we."); very ("I am so sick."); as a result ("They were sick, so they could not come."); conj in order that; for the purpose of ("Come early so we can discuss the plans.") social − ad of or about people or a group soft − ad not hard; easily shaped; pleasing to touch; not loud soil − n earth in which plants grow soldier − n a person in the army solid − ad having a hard shape with no empty spaces inside; strong; not in the form of a liquid or gas solve − v to find an answer; to settle some − ad of an amount or number or part not stated; not all son − n a person's male child soon − ad not long after the present time; quickly sort − n any group of people or things that are the same or are similar in some way; a kind of something sound − n fast−moving waves of energy that affect the ear and result in hearing; that which is heard south − n the direction to the right of a person facing the rising sun space − n the area outside the earth's atmosphere where the sun, moon, planets and stars are; the area between or inside things speak − v to talk; to say words with the mouth; to express one's thoughts to others and exchange ideas; to give a speech to a group special − ad of a different or unusual kind; not for general use; better or more important than others of the same kind speech − n a talk given to a group of people speed − v to make something go or move faster; n the rate at which something moves or travels; the rate at which something happens or is done spend − v to give as payment; to use ("He spends much time studying.") spill − v to cause or permit liquid to flow out, usually by accident spirit − n the part of a human that is not physical and is connected to thoughts and emotions; the part of a person that is believed to remain alive after death split − v to separate into two or more parts; to divide or break into parts sport − n any game or activity of competition involving physical effort or skill spread − v to become longer or wider; to make or become widely known spring − n the time of the year between winter and summer spy − v to steal or get information secretly; n one who watches others secretly; a person employed by a government to get secret information about another country square − n a flat shape having four equal sides stab − v to cut or push into or through with a pointed weapon stand − v to move into or be in a position in which only the feet are on a surface; to be in one position or place star − n a mass of gas that usually appears as a small light in the sky at night, but is not a planet; a famous person, usually an actor or singer start − v to begin; to make something begin starve − v to suffer or die from a lack of food state − v to say; to declare; n a political part of a nation station − n a place of special work or purpose ("a police station"); a place where passengers get on or off trains or buses; a place for radio or television broadcasts statue − n a form of a human, animal or other creature usually made of stone, wood or metal stay − v to continue to be where one is; to remain; to not leave; to live for a time ("They stayed in New York for two years.") steal − v to take without permission or paying steam − n the gas that comes from hot water steel − n iron made harder and stronger by mixing it with other substances step − v to move by lifting one foot and placing it in a new position; n the act of stepping; one of a series of actions designed to reach a goal stick − v to attach something to another thing using a substance that will hold them together; to become fixed in one position so that movement is difficult ("Something is making the door stick."); n a thin piece of wood still − ad not moving ("The man was standing still."); until the present or a stated time ("Was he still there?"); even so; although ("The job was difficult, but she still wanted to it.") stone − n a small piece of rock stop − v to prevent any more movement or action; to come or bring to an end store − v to keep or put away for future use; n a place where people buy things storm − n violent weather, including strong winds and rain or snow story − n the telling or writing of an event, either real or imagined stove − n a heating device used for cooking straight − ad continuing in one direction without turns strange − ad unusual; not normal; not known street − n a road in a city, town or village stretch − v to extend for a distance; to pull on to make longer or wider strike − v to hit with force; to stop work as a way to seek better conditions, more pay or to make other demands strong − ad having much power; not easily broken, damaged or destroyed structure − n the way something is built, made or organized; a system that is formed or organized in a special way; a building struggle − v to try with much effort; to fight with; n a great effort; a fight study − v to make an effort to gain knowledge by using the mind; to examine carefully stupid − ad not able to learn much; not intelligent subject − n the person or thing being discussed, studied or written about submarine − n an underwater ship substance − n the material of which something is made (a solid, liquid or gas) substitute − v to put or use in place of another; n a person or thing put or used in place of another subversion − n an attempt to weaken or destroy a political system or government, usually secretly succeed − v to reach a goal or thing desired; to produce a planned result such − ad of this or that kind; of the same kind as; similar to sudden − ad not expected; without warning; done or carried out quickly or without preparation suffer − v to feel pain in the body or mind; to receive or experience hurt or sadness sugar − n a sweet substance made from liquids taken from plants suggest − v to offer or propose something to think about or consider summer − n the warmest time of the year, between spring and autumn sun − n the huge star in the sky that provides heat and light to earth supervise − v to direct and observe the work of others supply − v to give; to provide; n the amount of something that can be given or sold to others support − v to carry the weight of; to hold up or in position; to agree with others and help them reach a goal; to approve suppose − v to believe, think or imagine ("I suppose you are right."); to expect ("It is supposed to rain tonight.") suppress − v to put down or to keep down by force; to prevent information from being known publicly sure − ad very probable; with good reason to believe; true without question surface − n the outer side or top of something ("The rocket landed on the surface of the moon.") surplus − n an amount that is more than is needed; extra; ("That country has a trade surplus It exports more than it imports.") surprise − v to cause a feeling of wonder because something is not expected; n something not expected; the feeling caused by something not expected surrender − v to give control of oneself or one's property to another or others; to stop fighting and admit defeat surround − v to form a circle around; to be in positions all around someone or something survive − v to remain alive during or after a dangerous situation suspect − v to imagine or believe that a person is guilty of something bad or illegal; n a person believed to be guilty suspend − v to cause to stop for a period of time swallow − v to take into the stomach through the mouth swear in − v to put an official into office by having him or her promise to carry out the duties of that office ("The chief justice will swear in the president.") sweet − ad tasting pleasant, like sugar swim − v to move through water by making motions with the arms and legs sympathy − n a sharing of feelings or emotions with another person, usually feelings of sadness system − n a method of organizing or doing something by following rules or a plan; a group of connected things or parts working together for a common purpose or goal T TOP take − v to put a hand or hands around something and hold it, often to move it to another place; to carry something ; to seize; to capture; to begin to be in control ("The president takes office tomorrow.") talk − v to express thoughts in spoken words; n a meeting for discussion tall − ad higher than others; opposite short tank − n a large container for holding liquids; a heavy military vehicle with guns target − n any person or object aimed at or fired at taste − v to sense through the mouth ("The fruit tastes sweet.") tax − n the money a person or business must pay to the government so the government can provide services tea − n a drink made from the plant of the same name teach − v to show how to something; to provide knowledge; to cause to understand team − n a group organized for some purpose, often for sports tear − v to pull apart, often by force tears − n the fluid that comes out of the eyes while crying technical − ad involving machines, processes and materials in industry, transportation and communications; of or about a very special kind of subject or thing ("You need technical knowledge to understand how this system works.") technology − n the use of scientific knowledge and methods to produce goods and services telephone − n a device or system for sending sounds, especially the voice, over distances telescope − n a device for making objects that are far away appear closer and larger television − n a device that receives electronic signals and makes them into pictures and sounds; the system of sending pictures and sounds by electronic signals over a distance so others can see and hear them on a receiver tell − v to give information; to make known by speaking; to order; to command temperature − n the measurement of heat and cold temporary − ad lasting only a short time tense − ad having fear or concern; dangerous; opposite calm term − n a limited period of time during which someone does a job or carries out a responsibility ("He served two terms in Congress."); the conditions of an agreement that have been accepted by those involved in it terrible − ad very bad; causing terror or fear territory − n a large area of land terror − n extreme fear; that which causes great fear terrorist − n a person who carries out acts of extreme violence as a protest or a way to influence a government test − v to attempt to learn or prove what something is like or how it will act by studying or doing ("The scientists will test the new engine soon."); n an attempt to learn or prove what something is like or how it will act by studying or doing ("The test of the new engine takes place today."); a group of questions or problems used to find out a person's knowledge ("The students did well on the language test.") than − conj connecting word used to link things that may be similar, but are not equal ("My sister is taller than I am.") thank − v to say that one has a good feeling toward another because that person did something kind ("I want to thank you for helping me.") that − ad showing the person, place or thing being spoken about ("That man is a soldier."); pro the person, place or thing being spoken about ("The building that I saw was very large.") the − pro used in front of a name word to show that it is a person or thing that is known about or is being spoken about theater − n a place where movies are shown or plays are performed them − pro other people being spoken about then − ad at that time; existing; and so theory − n a possible explanation of why something exists or how something happens using experiments or ideas, but which is not yet proven ("Other scientists are debating his theory about the disappearance of dinosaurs.") there − ad in that place or position; to or toward that place these − pro of or about the people, places or things nearby that have been spoken about already they − pro those ones being spoken about thick − ad having a large distance between two opposite surfaces ("The wall is two meters thick."); having many parts close together ("The forest is very thick."); almost solid, such as a liquid that does not flow easily; opposite thin thin − ad having a small distance between two opposite surfaces; not fat; not wide; opposite thick thing − n any object think − v to produce thoughts; to form ideas in the mind; to consider; to believe third − ad coming after two others this − pro of or about the person, place or thing nearby that has been spoken about already threaten − v to warn that one will harm or cause damage through − prep in at one end and out at the other; from front to back; from top to bottom; with the help of; by throw − v to cause to go through the air by a movement of the arm tie − v to join or hold together with some material; n anything that joins or unites; links or connections ("The two nations have strong trade ties.") time − n that which is measured in minutes, hours, days and years; a period that can be identified in hours and minutes and is shown on a clock; a period when an event should or will take place tired − ad having less strength because of work or exercise; needing sleep or rest to − prep showing the direction of an action; showing the person or place toward which an action is directed; showing a goal or purpose today − n this day together − ad in one group; at the same time or place; in cooperation tomorrow − n the day after today tonight − n this night too − ad also; as well as; more than is necessary tool − n any instrument or device designed to help one work top − n the upper edge or surface; the highest part; the cover of something torture − v to cause severe pain; n the act of causing severe pain in order to harm, to punish or to get information from total − n the complete amount touch − v to put the hand or fingers on toward − prep in the direction of; leading to town − n a center where people live, larger than a village but not as large as a city trade − v to buy and sell or exchange products or services; n the activity of buying, selling or exchanging products or services tradition − n a ceremony, activity or belief that has existed for a long time traffic − n the movement of people, vehicles or ships along a street, road or waterway tragic − ad extremely sad; terrible train − v to teach or learn how to something; to prepare for an activity; n an engine and the cars connected to it that move along a railroad transport − v to move goods or people from one place to another transportation − n the act or business of moving goods or people trap − v to catch or be caught by being tricked; to be unable to move or escape; n a device used to catch animals travel − v to go from one place to another, usually for a long distance treason − n the act of fighting against one's own country or of helping its enemies treasure − n a large collection of money, jewels or other things of great value treat − v to deal with; to act toward in a special way; to try to cure treatment − n the act of treating; the use of medicine to try to cure or make better treaty − n a written agreement between two or more nations tree − n a very tall plant that is mostly wood, except for its leaves trial − n an examination in a court of a question or dispute to decide if a charge is true tribe − n a group of families ruled by a common chief or leader trick − v to cheat; to fool a person so as to get something or make him or her something trip − n a movement from one place to another, usually a long distance troops − n a number of soldiers in a large controlled group trouble − n that which causes concern, fear, difficulty or problems truce − n a temporary halt in fighting agreed to by all sides involved truck − n a heavy vehicle used to carry goods true − ad correct; not false trust − v to believe that someone is honest and will not cause harm try − v to make an effort; to take court action against a person to decide if he or she is guilty or innocent of a crime tube − n a long, round structure through which liquids or gases can flow; a long, thin container in which they can be kept turn − v to change direction; to move into a different position; to change color, form or shape U TOP under − prep below; below the surface of; less than; as called for by a law, agreement or system ("The river flows under the bridge." "Such action is not permitted under the law.") understand − v to know what is meant; to have knowledge of unite − v to join together universe − n all of space, including planets and stars university − n a place of education that usually includes several colleges and research organizations unless − conj except if it happens; on condition that ("I will not go, unless the rain stops.") until − conj up to a time; before up − ad to, in or at a higher position or value urge − v to advise strongly; to make a great effort to get someone to something urgent − ad needing an immediate decision or action us − pro the form of the word "we" used after a preposition ("He said he would write to us.") or used as an object of a verb ("They saw us yesterday.") use − v to employ for a purpose; to put into action usual − ad as is normal or common; as is most often done, seen or heard V TOP valley − n a long area of land between higher areas of land value − n the quality of being useful, important or desired; the amount of money that could be received if something is sold vegetable − n a plant grown for food vehicle − n anything on or in which a person or thing can travel or be transported, especially anything on wheels; a car or truck version − n the form of something with different details than earlier or later forms very − ad extremely ("He was very late.") veto − v to reject or refuse to approve vicious − ad bad; dangerous; showing harm or hate victim − n someone or something that is injured, killed or made to suffer; someone who is tricked victory − n a success in a fight or competition village − n a very small town violate − v to fail to obey or honor; to break (an agreement) violence − n the use of force to cause injury, death or damage visit − v to go to or come to a place for a short time for friendly or business reasons voice − n the sound made by creatures, especially humans, for speaking volcano − n a hill or mountain around a hole in the earth's surface that can explode, sending hot, melted rock and ash into the air vote − v to choose a candidate in an election; n a choice or decision expressed by the voice, by hand or by writing W TOP wages − n money received for work done wait − v to delay acting; to postpone walk − v to move by putting one foot in front of the other wall − n the side of a room or building formed by wood, stone or other material; a structure sometimes used to separate areas of land want − v to desire; to wish for; to need war − n fighting between nations, or groups in a nation, using weapons warm − ad almost hot; having or feeling some heat warn − v to tell of possible danger; to advise or inform about something bad that may happen wash − v to make clean, usually with water waste − v to spend or use without need or care; to make bad use of; n a spending of money, time or effort with no value gained or returned; something thrown away as having no value; the liquid and solid substances that result from body processes and are passed out of the body watch − v to look at; to observe closely; to look and wait for water − n the liquid that falls from the sky as rain or is found in lakes, rivers and oceans wave − v to move or cause to move one way and the other, as a flag in the wind; to signal by moving the hand one way and the other; n a large mass of water that forms and moves on the surface of a lake or ocean way − n a path on land or sea or in the air; how something is done; method we − pro two or more people, including the speaker or writer ("He and I will go together, and we will return together.") weak − ad having little power; easily broken, damaged or destroyed; opposite strong wealth − n a large amount of possessions, money or other things of value weapon − n anything used to cause injury or to kill during an attack, fight or war wear − v to have on the body, as clothes weather − n the condition of the atmosphere resulting from sun, wind, rain, heat or cold week − n a period of time equal to seven days weigh − v to measure how heavy someone or something is welcome − v to express happiness or pleasure when someone arrives or something develops well − ad in a way that is good or pleasing; in good health; n a hole in the ground where water, gas or oil can be found west − n the direction in which the sun goes down wet − ad covered with water or other liquid; not dry what − pro used to ask about something or to ask for information about something ("What is this?"); ad which or which kind ("He wants to know what you would like to drink.") wheat − n a grain used to make bread; the plant that produces the grain wheel − n a round structure that turns around a center when − ad at what time; at any time ("When will she come home?"); conj during or at the time ("I studied hard when I was in school.") where − ad., conj at, to or in what place ("Where is his house?" "The house where he lives is in the old part of the city.") which − pro used to ask about what one or what ones of a group of things or people ("Which program you like best?" "Which students will take the test?") while − n a space of time ("Please come to my house for a while."); conj at or during the same time ("It may not be a good idea to eat while you are running.") white − ad having the color like that of milk or snow who − pro what or which person or persons that ("Who wants to go?"); the person or persons ("They are the ones who want to go.") whole − ad the complete amount; all together; not divided; not cut into pieces why − ad for what cause or reason ("Why did she it?"); conj the reason for which ("I not know why she did it.") wide − ad having a great distance from one side to the other; not limited wife − n a woman who is married wild − ad living and growing in natural conditions and not organized or supervised by humans; angry; uncontrolled will − v a word used with action words to show future action ("They will hold talks tomorrow.") willing − ad being ready or having a desire to ("They are willing to talk about the problem.") win − v to gain a victory; to defeat another or others in a competition, election or battle wind − n a strong movement of air window − n an opening in a wall to let in light and air, usually filled with glass winter − n the coldest time of year, between autumn and spring wire − n a long, thin piece of metal used to hang objects or to carry electricity or electronic communications from one place to another wise − ad having much knowledge and understanding; able to use knowledge and understanding to make good or correct decisions wish − v to want; to express a desire for with − prep along or by the side of; together; using ("He fixed it with a tool."); having ("the house with the red door") withdraw − v to take or move out, away or back; to remove without − prep with no; not having or using; free from; not doing woman − n an adult female human wonder − v to ask oneself; to question ("She wonders if it is true."); n a feeling of surprise wonderful − ad causing wonder; especially good wood − n the solid material of which trees are made word − n one or more connected sounds that form a single part of a language work − v to use physical or mental effort to make or something; n the effort used to make or to something; that which needs effort; the job one does to earn money world − n the earth; the people who live on the earth worry − v to be concerned; to continue thinking that something, possibly bad, can happen worse − ad more bad than worth − n value measured in money wound − v to injure; to hurt; to cause physical damage to a person or animal; n an injury to the body of a human or animal in which the skin is usually cut or broken wreck − v to damage greatly; to destroy; n anything that has been badly damaged or broken wreckage − n what remains of something severely damaged or destroyed write − v to use an instrument to make words appear on a surface, such as paper wrong − ad not correct; bad; not legal; opposite right Y TOP year − n a period of time equal to twelve months yellow − ad having the color like that of gold or the sun yes − ad used to express agreement or to permit yesterday − n the day before today yet − ad at some time before now ("Have they arrived yet?"); now; at this time ("I cannot tell you about it yet."); conj however ("The sun was shining, yet it was cold.") you − pro the person or persons being spoken to young − ad in the early years of life; not old Z TOP zero − n the number meaning none or nothing zoo − n a place where animals are kept for the public to look at and study COMMON PREFIXES TOP dis − not (dishonest, disobey) pro − for, supporting (pro−labor, pro−government) re − to again (reorganize, reunite) self − used to show that the person or group acting is the one affected by the action, or to show that the action is done only by its own effort or power (self−declared, self−appointed) un − not (unusual, unhappy) COMMON EXPRESSIONS TOP carry out − to do; to put into effect ("Please carry out the plan.") pass a bill − approve ("Congress is expected to pass a bill to cut taxes.") take steps − to start to something ("The government will take steps to halt inflation.") WORDS USED IN VOA SPECIAL ENGLISH SCIENCE PROGRAMS TOP atom − a very small part of all things; the smallest part of an element that can join with parts of other elements bacteria − living things that are one cell and can be seen only through a microscope; some cause disease cell − a small mass of living material that is part of all plants and animals chromosome − a line of genes; most human cells contain 46 chromosomes compound − a substance containing two or more elements dense − close together; thick electron − a small part of an atom that has an electrical force element − one of more than 100 substances known to science that cannot be separated into other substances enzyme − a special kind of protein; it produces changes in other substances without being changed itself fetus − unborn young fission − a splitting; in atomic fission, the nucleus of an atom is split to produce nuclear energy fusion − a joining together; in atomic fusion, atomic particles are joined together to produce nuclear energy genes − parts of cells that control the growth and development of living things; genes from the mother and father are passed to the child; genes contain nucleic acid genetic engineering − the science of changing the genes of a living organism gravity − the force that pulls things toward the center of the earth image − a reproduction of the appearance of a person or thing laser − an instrument that makes a thin, powerful light magnet − a piece of iron or other material that has a pulling force; this pulling force is called magnetism molecule − the smallest amount of a chemical substance that can exist nerve − a thin piece of tissue that sends information through the body to and from the brain nucleus − the center part of an atom or cell nucleic acid − a molecule that holds the genetic information necessary for life; there are two kinds of nucleic acid: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) nutrient − a food or substance that makes plants, humans or animals grow organ − a part of the body that has a special purpose, such as the heart or brain organism − a living thing, often so small it can be seen only through a microscope particle − a very small piece of matter proteins − substances responsible for the growth of tissue and for fixing damaged tissue robot − a machine that moves and performs tasks tissue − living material; a group of cells that are similar in appearance and the same thing virus − a kind of organism that causes disease x−rays − a kind of radiation that can pass through most solid materials, often used in medicine ORGANS OF THE BODY TOP heart − pumps blood through the body intestines − tubes through which food passes after it is broken down in the stomach; part of the intestines also remove solid wastes from the body kidney − cleans liquid wastes from the body liver − makes some proteins and enzymes; removes poisons from the blood lung − takes in and expels air from the body prostate − a part of the male reproductive system stomach − breaks down food for the body to use uterus − a part of the female reproductive system where a fetus develops http://www ToLearnEnglish.com / VOA Special English